We caught up with our final Woman in Business for 2018, Stephanie Tucker, who gave us some background on established family business, Northern Power UPS, and the many hats she wears within her role, as well as insight into the myriad of local and charity initiatives she is involved in!

Tell us a bit about your business and your involvement in setting it up.

Northern Power UPS provides businesses with bespoke backup power solutions to protect all critical and essential equipment. From smaller, high-quality ‘plug and play’ units to larger bespoke installations we plan, install, maintain and service your backup power equipment.
Northern Power UPS has been a well-established business for over 30 years, created by my father-in-law. I joined the Director, who is also my husband, to continue strengthening our family business. Amongst other things, I have helped to rebrand the business, launch us onto a more public platform and become more involved in our local business community.

What makes you different to other back-up power providers?

Uniquely, Northern Power UPS are one of very few specialist UPS providers in the North West. As a result, we have a steadfast determination to provide the highest quality service and products to safeguard businesses should their mains power fail. Being a small local business means we are afforded the opportunity to provide this quickly and efficiently.

What is the day-to-day role you play in the business?

Day-to-day I am involved in business development, social media management, liaising with current and prospective customers, as well as implementing marketing strategies.

As a woman in business, how do you find the balance between work and personal life?

As a ‘woman in business’ I have never perceived myself to be anything different from a ‘man in business’. Prior to Northern Power UPS I worked in the education field in a very female driven environment. I have noticed since I joined the business world, especially within the tech industry it is more male driven. Gender has never been an issue that affects my work or work environment. To answer how I balance my work and personal life? Just like everyone else.

What initiatives are you involved in as a business, that supports the local community? And please could you tell us a bit about this?

We are incredibly proud to be members of the Altrincham and Sale Chamber of Commerce and have fostered fantastic relationships with the many people we have met.
We are also equally proud to be SUBS Partners, a locally based initiative offering free networking and learning opportunities to local businesses to help them grow and strengthen.
We also annually sponsor a cask of beer in our local Roundtable Beerfest, an event run by local volunteers with all profits going to local charities.

What female focused initiatives are you involved in?

This year I am acting Vice-Chair, soon to be Chair of the local Ladies Circle in Lymm. Primarily we focus on fun, friendship, and fundraising. Hosting summer balls, food festivals, Gin emporiums as well as running stalls at public bonfire nights and Christmas festivals we have been fortunate to raise thousands of pounds to help others.
We have had the fantastic opportunity to donate equipment, resources, time and money to numerous local charities including CANsupport, Hope Tea, and Music and Memory helping many disadvantaged individuals of all ages live better lives.